His-And-Hers Family by Bonnie K. Winn Page B

with you and your brothers more, and he wants to make sure that you have someone around who cares about you.”
    His look was suspicious. “Why should you care?”
    She took a deep breath. “It’s just who I am, I guess. Just like how I know you’re Mark and not Todd. I know you haven’t had a lot of time to get to know me, but this is more than just a job to me. It’s a new opportunity for my kids, too, something that makes them happy. We’re doing each other a favor. I can be around when your Dad can’t, and we get to be part of your family.”
    Mark shrugged, and she could sense his internal struggle. “Yeah, well, I gotta get back with the glue.”
    “Sure. You want to take some cookies with you? For you and the other guys?”
    “Yeah, I guess so.” But despite a show of disinterest, he trailed her to the counter, and accepted the plate of homemade cookies.
    She made one final effort. “Will you tell Todd that your aunt is here?”
    Mark headed toward the stairs. “He won’t care, either.”
    Even though she knew that Maria would clean the kitchen at the end of the evening, Cassie rinsed the dishes and stacked them in the dishwasher. Then, taking nearly another hour, she straightened and cleaned the kitchen, needing the familiar sense of order. It had surprised her to feel an unexpected pang of jealousy when she saw Daphne wrap herself around Blake.
    She’d thought her reactions to him earlier were the result of the length of time that had passed since she had any interaction with a man. She hadn’t counted on there being something more to those feelings. Certainly not jealousy, or the emotions that prompted it.
    She glanced longingly out the window at the huge swimming pool, wishing she could diffuse some of her sudden tension by swimming endless laps. Even if she had a decent suit, she wouldn’t put it on with Daphne around. She felt inferior enough without putting herself on display for more condescension.
    Hearing adult voices, Cassie pulled her apron off, planning to disappear up the stairs and avoid another encounter. But the door opened just as she reached the first step.
    “Oh, if it isn’t Mary Poppins,” Daphne commented, in that sultry voice of hers.
    Cassie felt her backbone stiffening. She might be an employee in this house, but she didn’t intend to be treated like an eighteenth-century scullery maid.
    “Glad you’re still here,” Blake said before she could reply. “You can tell Daphne how well we’re all getting on.”
    Briefly Cassie met his eyes and saw him signal silently for her agreement. She paused for only a moment. “The boys are quite content.”
    “I’m only concerned about their welfare,” Daphne replied, an obvious challenge lurking beneath the innocent words.
    So much that you didn’t call once when their father was out of the country, Cassie thought to herself, seeing through Daphne’s barely veiled machinations.
    “That’s why Cassie’s here—to provide the right kind of care.”
    Daphne tapped perfect French-manicured nails on the counter. “I really should see more of them.”
    With a sinking feeling, Cassie guessed that the woman intended to appear often, staking a claim to her late sister’s husband.
    Blake took Daphne’s elbow. “Thanks for your concern. And for stopping by. Sorry I don’t have more time, but—”
    “I know. Business calls. But you have to admit, it doesn’t have a voice like mine.”
    “No argument there.” He kissed her cheek, and she lingered in the doorway.
    “Good night, Ms. Kerara,” Cassie added.
    The other woman barely glanced her direction. “Yes. Good night.” Daphne looked as though she desperately wanted to stay. Instead, she sidled her slinky body out the door, deliberately leaving a provocative image behind.
    Stepping down from the landing, Cassie reached for the apron she’d hastily tossed on the counter, intending to fold it. “I’m finished in here. I’ll let you get to your work.”
    “Not